K-pop boyband NCT has kicked out member Taeil after he was accused of an unspecified “sexual offence,” their management confirmed.
Agency SM Entertainment issued a statement via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, confirming the South Korean singer’s exit after learning that he has been “accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offence”.
The label said: “We have recently learned that Taeil has been accused in a criminal case related to a sexual offense.
“As we were assessing the facts related to the matter, we recognized the severity of the situation and determined that Taeil can no longer continue his activities with the team (NCT). After discussing with Taeil, we have decided on his departure from the group.
SM엔터테인먼트입니다. pic.twitter.com/28XapiFuOk
— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) August 28, 2024
“Taeil is currently cooperating fully with the police investigation. We will provide further statements as the investigation progresses.
“We deeply apologize for the concern and distress caused by our artist,” the statement concluded.
Taeil was part of NCT, or Neo Culture Technology, a globally popular South Korean boy band that debuted in 2016. The group currently has over two dozen members divided into several subunits, including NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish.
Taeil was recently active in NCT 127. Known for experimental music spanning various genres, the group has gained international attention with some releases charting on Billboard lists.
Their latest single Walk was released last month and is the titular track from their sixth studio album.
Taeil - who boasts 4.6m followers on Instagram - is the fourth member of NCT to leave the group in recent years. In 2023, singers Sungchan and Shotaro left the boyband in order to join the new group RIIZE. Meanwhile, Lucas Wong official left the group in May 2023, following a lengthy hiatus.
